I receive so many newsletters, daily meditations and such that I don't always have time to read them. Or more likely I'm not in a peaceful enough place where I can actually read them so usually their impact is truly lost on me.
This morning from a wonderful website called ExploreFaith.org this prayer found its way to my mailbox and to my attention....just at a time I needed it the most. Perhaps you will feel the same calmness that I did after I read this. These have been, and are, nerve wracking times, at best. I hope these words will also give you peace if only for a while.
Gracious God, when the economy is in disarray, when young people are fighting in faraway wars, when we argue over issues and refuse to listen to the other side, I ask that your grace enfold us. Move us from self-interest to compassion, from the need to be right to the place of doing right. Let the love that is at the foundation of creation spread out like roots, bringing life, healing and wholeness to places cracked and broken. I ask this for the sake of your love.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Making a difference, one child at a time
I have a new girl in my life. Her name is Francoise. She has the biggest brown eyes and a smile that takes up half her face. I had walked by the GO! (Global Outreach) Ministry cart in the church lobby several times seeing that face on a brochure, thinking “what a cutie!” But I was usually in a hurry to do something somewhere, so I didn’t stop.
Then last week, the words that were written above the beautiful face almost yelled at me – “get involved – sponsor a child today.” And I did. I have already received a first letter from
beautiful little Francoise, from Takwe, Rwanda, the community with whom my church St. Anthony on the Desert recently partnered. She told me about her family, how fortunate she is to have a mother and a father, two brothers and a sister. She’s in the 5th grade and loves mathematics and studying their national language. I thought she sounded just like any average little girl; then I read on. She also lives in a mud block house with a dirt floor, suffers from malnutrition; and her community has no sewer system, electricity or running water. Their only water source is dirty and an hour’s walk away. OK, maybe Francoise is not like the children that I know…
I have to admit that the first letter I wrote to Francoise was a difficult one indeed. How do I tell her about my life, my blessed life, with family and friends who fill my days with joy, the opportunities that I have? She wants pictures of me and my family and my house so that she can know me better. Part of me doesn’t want to do this. Part of me is so utterly embarrassed and ashamed to have this little smiling girl halfway around the world wanting to know all about me so we can share our lives together. I have so much, too much. Certainly nothing deserved, just blessed.
As I sit and look at the beautiful beaming face of little Francoise, I read the banner under her picture. “Make a difference…one child at a time.” So this is the beginning, the beginning of my life shared with Francoise. Can I end poverty? Not by myself. Can I make a difference in the life of Francoise Iradukunda? Absolutely. What a blessing.
Then last week, the words that were written above the beautiful face almost yelled at me – “get involved – sponsor a child today.” And I did. I have already received a first letter from
beautiful little Francoise, from Takwe, Rwanda, the community with whom my church St. Anthony on the Desert recently partnered. She told me about her family, how fortunate she is to have a mother and a father, two brothers and a sister. She’s in the 5th grade and loves mathematics and studying their national language. I thought she sounded just like any average little girl; then I read on. She also lives in a mud block house with a dirt floor, suffers from malnutrition; and her community has no sewer system, electricity or running water. Their only water source is dirty and an hour’s walk away. OK, maybe Francoise is not like the children that I know…I have to admit that the first letter I wrote to Francoise was a difficult one indeed. How do I tell her about my life, my blessed life, with family and friends who fill my days with joy, the opportunities that I have? She wants pictures of me and my family and my house so that she can know me better. Part of me doesn’t want to do this. Part of me is so utterly embarrassed and ashamed to have this little smiling girl halfway around the world wanting to know all about me so we can share our lives together. I have so much, too much. Certainly nothing deserved, just blessed.
As I sit and look at the beautiful beaming face of little Francoise, I read the banner under her picture. “Make a difference…one child at a time.” So this is the beginning, the beginning of my life shared with Francoise. Can I end poverty? Not by myself. Can I make a difference in the life of Francoise Iradukunda? Absolutely. What a blessing.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
"We do not see things as they are but as we are."
I heard this on the radio recently as I was driving to work. The thought has stuck with me because it provided an easy answer to so many of the mysteries in my life.
I know that people and circumstances that really haven’t changed seem different to me when my attitude about them changes. Some days everything is absolutely great; other days, a little less so. It seems reasonable to assume that if I decide to have a good attitude, then things will be just perfect or at least manageable.
As much as I like to be in control, (a shocking thought, I know) there was something wrong with this thought. It isn’t about me, and it’s so easy to fall into that trap. The feeling that when I feel good, all is well. When I’m a little out of sorts, the world veers off course. Where is God in all of this?It seems funny to me that when I have contorted thoughts such as these, that God lets me go down rabbit holes for just so long, and then he sends me a lifeline. These lifelines appear in so many different ways…as one did last night.
I read a passage out of one of my favorite author’s books, When the Game is Over It All Goes Back into the Box, by John Ortberg. In it he said, “Salt's calling is to lose itself in something much bigger and more glorious; and then it fulfills its destiny. We were made to count. We were made to be salt. But the quest for significance is a delicate dance. If I do it by myself for myself, it's death. If I do it with God for others, it's life.”
I would only change one thing. That would be if I do it with God and with you, its life. Join with me now not to find the easy answers, not to set ourselves up as kings and queens of the universe, but, as John Ortberg suggests, to fulfill our destiny, that destiny that God has planned for you and for me, in our community of faith, our neighborhoods, our country and our world. It’s a big job, but with God we can do it. Ready to start?
I know that people and circumstances that really haven’t changed seem different to me when my attitude about them changes. Some days everything is absolutely great; other days, a little less so. It seems reasonable to assume that if I decide to have a good attitude, then things will be just perfect or at least manageable.
As much as I like to be in control, (a shocking thought, I know) there was something wrong with this thought. It isn’t about me, and it’s so easy to fall into that trap. The feeling that when I feel good, all is well. When I’m a little out of sorts, the world veers off course. Where is God in all of this?It seems funny to me that when I have contorted thoughts such as these, that God lets me go down rabbit holes for just so long, and then he sends me a lifeline. These lifelines appear in so many different ways…as one did last night.
I read a passage out of one of my favorite author’s books, When the Game is Over It All Goes Back into the Box, by John Ortberg. In it he said, “Salt's calling is to lose itself in something much bigger and more glorious; and then it fulfills its destiny. We were made to count. We were made to be salt. But the quest for significance is a delicate dance. If I do it by myself for myself, it's death. If I do it with God for others, it's life.”
I would only change one thing. That would be if I do it with God and with you, its life. Join with me now not to find the easy answers, not to set ourselves up as kings and queens of the universe, but, as John Ortberg suggests, to fulfill our destiny, that destiny that God has planned for you and for me, in our community of faith, our neighborhoods, our country and our world. It’s a big job, but with God we can do it. Ready to start?
Friday, May 2, 2008
The Parable of the Totally Confused Disciple
I am an email daily devotion junkie. I get Daily Inspirations, Daily 
Devotions, Daily Reflections and Word for the Day sent to my inbox every morning. I have to admit somedays I delete them without reading them because I just can't keep up. I think daily devotions are like manna. If I try to save them for later, they rot and become full of worms. Or something like that.
It seems though when I stop allowing myself be so busy, and I actually pay attention to what I'm reading, a common thread will run through the activities of my day. This morning was a great example. One devotion was all about Jesus and his parables. I don't know about you, but almost every time I read one, I understand it a different way. The last sentence of the scripture was "With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples."
Does this mystify anyone else besides me? Jesus seems to be purposely excluding many of his listeners from understanding the important parables. Just to be perfectly clear, as if there could possibly be any confusion, I am not a Biblical scholar. I have read a lot, joined Bible study groups, even completed a four-year course at my church called Education for Ministry (EFM). But what I have found is that the more I study, the less I know. Just when I think I have something nailed down...well, let's just say that I think God has quite a sense of humor....to think that I orginally signed up for EFM so that I could easily field the questions thrown at me as a youth group leader...
But I digress..back to the parable devotion. No wonder the rank and file of us are so confused. These stories are seemingly easy to understand, an unruly son goes to live with pigs and finds out he doesn't like it. Duh. And dad takes him back. Not all of us can do tough love, so we can empathize. We don't want our kids to live in squallor, their bedrooms notwithstanding.
But when we start thinking about why Jesus even told this story, what was he trying to say without coming out and actually saying it? And why not, for gosh sakes. Even the disciples needed more information. Subtlities are lost on most of us. And then the really hard part where we take his message to heart and change our lives. Change? Me? Wonder if I didn't really get the point of the story and make a totally unneccessary change....?
Oh well, gotta run. I've got mail!
Devotions, Daily Reflections and Word for the Day sent to my inbox every morning. I have to admit somedays I delete them without reading them because I just can't keep up. I think daily devotions are like manna. If I try to save them for later, they rot and become full of worms. Or something like that.It seems though when I stop allowing myself be so busy, and I actually pay attention to what I'm reading, a common thread will run through the activities of my day. This morning was a great example. One devotion was all about Jesus and his parables. I don't know about you, but almost every time I read one, I understand it a different way. The last sentence of the scripture was "With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples."
Does this mystify anyone else besides me? Jesus seems to be purposely excluding many of his listeners from understanding the important parables. Just to be perfectly clear, as if there could possibly be any confusion, I am not a Biblical scholar. I have read a lot, joined Bible study groups, even completed a four-year course at my church called Education for Ministry (EFM). But what I have found is that the more I study, the less I know. Just when I think I have something nailed down...well, let's just say that I think God has quite a sense of humor....to think that I orginally signed up for EFM so that I could easily field the questions thrown at me as a youth group leader...
But I digress..back to the parable devotion. No wonder the rank and file of us are so confused. These stories are seemingly easy to understand, an unruly son goes to live with pigs and finds out he doesn't like it. Duh. And dad takes him back. Not all of us can do tough love, so we can empathize. We don't want our kids to live in squallor, their bedrooms notwithstanding.
But when we start thinking about why Jesus even told this story, what was he trying to say without coming out and actually saying it? And why not, for gosh sakes. Even the disciples needed more information. Subtlities are lost on most of us. And then the really hard part where we take his message to heart and change our lives. Change? Me? Wonder if I didn't really get the point of the story and make a totally unneccessary change....?
Oh well, gotta run. I've got mail!
Friday, April 18, 2008
The 67th Book of the Bible
I love to read. Nothing makes me happier than having an afternoon to myself, putting on my sweats and reading a great book while nestled in my couch. Because I read mostly non-fiction (and due to my notoriously bad memory) I can reread the really good ones again and again. And I’m usually reading two or more at the same time…one for morning inspiration, something motivational during the day and something rather meditative (translation: read 1 minute and fall asleep) at night. During the day, I’m also reading articles, newsletters, magazines, on-line news reports. I just love reading.I recently came across a quote in one of the books I’m currently re-reading, “What Can One Person Do?” A middle-aged woman in Bulgaria is quoted as saying, “A normal person has…. some self-esteem, to take a holiday, read a book. While now—you work here or there all day in order to have something to eat, and at night you can’t even exchange a couple of words like normal persons, you drop off asleep as if you were dead. It’s as if you were dead while you were still alive.”
I have always been aware of world poverty and hunger. When I was small we went trick or treating on Halloween with UNICEF cans. When I wouldn’t eat every last bit of food on my plate, my mother reminded me of the starving children in Biafra. The TV ads with Sally Struthers talking about children all over the world needing our help seemed to grate on me more than compel me to do anything positive. Millions were dying from hunger and disease. The statistics were more numbing to me than a call to action. But this quote got to me. It was very eye-opening to me (maybe heart-opening would be better to say) as to how people are forced to live their lives. Not just that they are hungry, but that the time they have to themselves is basically for sleep. Where I’m reading several books at once, this woman has no time to read, perhaps with no way to even get a book. Or have a hobby, or meet a friend for a cup of coffee. All those things that give me such pleasure. Things that I so take for granted.
This spring I had the privilege of working with an incredible group of folks presenting the Millennium Development Goals, which were adopted by the U.N. and the Episcopal Church USA in 2000, to our congregation. I find now what is happening to me is an awakening to the power we hold in our hands to actually do something about extreme poverty. Our Christian values and thoughts ran like a thread through each of our discussions.
We are in a position to allow our lives to change the story of the world. I recently heard Christians described as the 67th book of the Bible. People read our lives, our words and our actions and draw conclusions about our faith from them. The way we live declares whom we love and on whom we depend. We are explaining Jesus to people all the time by the way we live not by words alone.
Here are some useful ideas for us to consider when assessing our lives and our commitment to holistic change. Try reflecting on just two or three of these each day, either on your own or with colleagues.
In our work:
Glorify God in all we do.
Use the Bible as a reference and guide for all our development work.
Stand with and encourage those who are suffering.
Ask for God's power in all the situations we are involved with.
Show people the relevance of the Bible by relating it to their own situation.
Stand up for justice and against injustice at all times.
In church services, include issues concerning the community, justice and the practical outworking of biblical values.
In our actions:
Love the poor.
See the image of God in everyone, no matter what they are like.
Listen before we speak.
Live lives that raise questions in others to which the gospel is the answer.
Display sensitivity.
Use our knowledge and creativity to assist and support churches and people in their work.
In our beliefs:
Think more highly of others than ourselves and desire to serve people.
Have a passion for helping people find their true identity and gifts.
See ourselves as stewards of the gifts and possessions God has given us.
Have a repentant spirit and be willing to seek forgiveness.
Have that genuine humility that should come from being in Christ.
In our personal lives:
Live reliable and honest lives.
Be flexible in our response to situations.
Live a life that shares God's love.
Be open to the Holy Spirit directing us.
Be willing to speak about our strengths and weaknesses.
Grow in our understanding and obedience to God's word.
Be dependent on God.
Be welcoming.
Love God with all our heart, mind and soul.
Be a good neighbour.
Be patient in all situations.
Be prepared to let God use us at any time.
If you haven't managed to meet all of these yet, don't be surprised; none of us has! But don't give up, either - keep persevering! God's strength and grace are enough to pick us up each time we fall short.
These thoughts were adapted from the book Christian Wholistic Development by CRUDAN.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
The Journey to What Could be
I'm telling you these things while I'm still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you. Peace. I don't leave you the way you're used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don't be upset. Don't be distraught.
John 14:25-27 The Message
There are times, although I have heard from my family and friends, not often, when my words won’t come. When what I’m feeling is so immense, so overwhelming, so awesome that when I try to speak of the situation I cannot find words that come close to any accurate description. This is one of those times.
For the past eighteen months, the rector search committee that I'm part of prayed, even begged at times, for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. While we listened to the members of St. Anthony, and listened to each other, we listened for the divine. Speaking for myself, I felt at times like I was calling into a dark abyss. Frequently I had a very difficult time praying. Trying to tell God what he already knows, I think I was just putting good spin on my prayers so that I didn’t sound so whiny. This God of all creation and beyond, this God of things I can’t begin to understand, this God who doesn’t need hints from me as to what should happen next, had been very quiet indeed these months, at least as far as I was concerned.
A short time ago this all changed. I think what I’ve learned, and I admit I’m a slow learner, is that praying ultimately means being open to God, learning more about myself so that God might let me know more about him and refusing to be rushed into accepting a mediocre version of what life could be .
I learned the value of being still and listening. This listening has turned into a physical sensation that involved more than my two ears. I began hearing with my soul, a soul filled with love and gratitude for what we have been given, for what we were being shown, for what we have and what could be. This hasn’t been easy for me. Leaving what felt comfortable and safe, trusting that somehow we aren’t just moving into the future, but that we are being led. Being led by the Spirit Jesus promised would be with us. And being blessed all along the way even during the painful times.
Recently a very dear sister in Christ sent me this Irish blessing. It so beautifully described a few of the intense feelings that I had been experiencing lately. I’d like to share it with you, to bless you as she blessed me by sending it to me.
I wish you not a path devoid of clouds nor a life on a bed of roses.
Not that you might never need regret
Nor that you should never feel pain.
No, that is not my wish for you.
My wish for you is that you might be brave in times of trial.
When others lay crosses upon your shoulders.
When mountains must be climbed
And chasms are to be crossed.
When hope scarce can shine through.
That every gift God gave you might grow along with you.
And let you give the gift of joy to all who care for you.
That you may always have a friend who is worth that name.
Whom you can trust and who helps you in sadness.
Who will defy the storms of daily life at your side.
One more wish I have for you.
That in every hour of joy and pain
You may feel God close to you.
This is my wish for you and all who care for you.
This is my hope for you now and forever.
Blessings,
Jill
John 14:25-27 The Message
There are times, although I have heard from my family and friends, not often, when my words won’t come. When what I’m feeling is so immense, so overwhelming, so awesome that when I try to speak of the situation I cannot find words that come close to any accurate description. This is one of those times.
For the past eighteen months, the rector search committee that I'm part of prayed, even begged at times, for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. While we listened to the members of St. Anthony, and listened to each other, we listened for the divine. Speaking for myself, I felt at times like I was calling into a dark abyss. Frequently I had a very difficult time praying. Trying to tell God what he already knows, I think I was just putting good spin on my prayers so that I didn’t sound so whiny. This God of all creation and beyond, this God of things I can’t begin to understand, this God who doesn’t need hints from me as to what should happen next, had been very quiet indeed these months, at least as far as I was concerned.
A short time ago this all changed. I think what I’ve learned, and I admit I’m a slow learner, is that praying ultimately means being open to God, learning more about myself so that God might let me know more about him and refusing to be rushed into accepting a mediocre version of what life could be .
I learned the value of being still and listening. This listening has turned into a physical sensation that involved more than my two ears. I began hearing with my soul, a soul filled with love and gratitude for what we have been given, for what we were being shown, for what we have and what could be. This hasn’t been easy for me. Leaving what felt comfortable and safe, trusting that somehow we aren’t just moving into the future, but that we are being led. Being led by the Spirit Jesus promised would be with us. And being blessed all along the way even during the painful times.
Recently a very dear sister in Christ sent me this Irish blessing. It so beautifully described a few of the intense feelings that I had been experiencing lately. I’d like to share it with you, to bless you as she blessed me by sending it to me.
I wish you not a path devoid of clouds nor a life on a bed of roses.
Not that you might never need regret
Nor that you should never feel pain.
No, that is not my wish for you.
My wish for you is that you might be brave in times of trial.
When others lay crosses upon your shoulders.
When mountains must be climbed
And chasms are to be crossed.
When hope scarce can shine through.
That every gift God gave you might grow along with you.
And let you give the gift of joy to all who care for you.
That you may always have a friend who is worth that name.
Whom you can trust and who helps you in sadness.
Who will defy the storms of daily life at your side.
One more wish I have for you.
That in every hour of joy and pain
You may feel God close to you.
This is my wish for you and all who care for you.
This is my hope for you now and forever.
Blessings,
Jill
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
The Greatest Story Ever Told
When my daughter Sara was young, she loved for me to read bedtime stories to her. I had always been employed, so our real time together was at night just before she went to sleep. She had her favorite books, and sometimes I thought I would lose my mind if I had to read the same story one more time. I would try to skip ahead or make up exciting new endings shortly after the story began. She was way too smart for that. She could have recited the stories to me....but she wanted to hear me read them to her.
At some point even she got tired of the old standbys. Those were the nights that she would say, "Momma, make up a story." My brain did not function that well at the end of the day. Making up a story was painful for me until I found that if the story started out with, "Once there was a beautiful princess named Sara," that she would give me lots of help filling in the details.
Stories have a way of capitvating us especially if they are true. Hence the "beautiful princess" part hooked Sara each time. When we first get to know people, the best way to learn about each other is through sharing our stories. We all have them. Its so important for us to be able to tell our stories. Especially when it comes to our faith in Christ. It can be as simple as, "Before Christ was in my life, I was ____, and in knowing Christ I am now ____."
I would love to hear not just about your stories, but about what happened when you told someone your story or listened while they told you theirs. I know from experience it becomes such a moment of connection with the other person, a deep understanding of what is important in this life. You are the only one who can tell your story. Learn to do it well.
At some point even she got tired of the old standbys. Those were the nights that she would say, "Momma, make up a story." My brain did not function that well at the end of the day. Making up a story was painful for me until I found that if the story started out with, "Once there was a beautiful princess named Sara," that she would give me lots of help filling in the details.
Stories have a way of capitvating us especially if they are true. Hence the "beautiful princess" part hooked Sara each time. When we first get to know people, the best way to learn about each other is through sharing our stories. We all have them. Its so important for us to be able to tell our stories. Especially when it comes to our faith in Christ. It can be as simple as, "Before Christ was in my life, I was ____, and in knowing Christ I am now ____."
I would love to hear not just about your stories, but about what happened when you told someone your story or listened while they told you theirs. I know from experience it becomes such a moment of connection with the other person, a deep understanding of what is important in this life. You are the only one who can tell your story. Learn to do it well.
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